Transmission fluid

[jpm60621]

I have a 1999 Jayco Eagle with ~12,000 miles on it. I just bought it and doubt the transmission fluid has ever been changed. Given that the fluid is probably 15 years young, do you think I should change it and why? The cab is a ford 450.

Thanks
Jim

 

[NB Canada]

Yes. because it needs it

 

[jeffdee]

I have a 1999 Jayco 283G with a 1998 E450 chassis. I changed the trans oil and filter 3 weeks ago with 61,000 miles. I now have nearly 63.000 miles after a round trip to Kansas City.

The oil was not burned and the filter was not clogged before the oil change. It took two 5 gallon containers (from CARQUEST) for the trans oil change. The V-10 and transmission performed flawlessly on flat land and in the Ozark Mountains during the one week drive.

I recommend the oil and filter change, but not a flush. If you do it yourself you will see a plastic plug laying in the bottom of the trans pan. Don't worry, it went in to the trans pan when the dipstick tube was installed. Also, you might find one or two magnetic washers in the pan. They will be wooly looking until you clean the metal particles off of them. Be sure to put them back. At 12,000 miles you might not have much metal in the pan but the oil and filter is still 15 years old. This would be the best cost effective maintenance to perform on your rig.

At 15 years old I would also have the brakes checked for rust on the disk caliper slides. I had to replace all four of my calipers before I left on my trip to Kansas City. The disk pads were not worn but both left front and rear calipers were dragging causing brake odor. Also, the brake fluid was not clear. I replaced all four calipers with new pads and thoroughly flushed the brake fluid. It made a big difference with excellent stopping.

 

[Seann45]

Yes you should change it... why?? cost of fluid change vs cost of new transmission. oil gets old and looses some of its properties..

 

[jpm60621]

It needs it?

Thanks for everyone's input. I've read that if your transmission fluid hasn't been changed after 100k miles you should never change it. I was wondering if the same was true for age.

 

[NB Canada]

Thanks for everyone's input. I've read that if your transmission fluid hasn't been changed after 100k miles you should never change it. I was wondering if the same was true for age.

never heard that.

 

[norty1]

I would have it serviced, fluid and filters.

 

[Charliec]

I would definitely change it. When I buy something pre-owned I check and change all fluids and check all other systems. I like to know where I stand before I get on the road. Good luck with your new Eagle.

 

[jpm60621]

Thanks Gang. As a follow up I called the place I go to get my oil changed and he said transmission fluid does not have a shelf life. He did not think it should be changed. He also said that filters are not affected by age. The service by them (filter, fluid, no flush) was $99.

(Just posting this for completeness - thanks for y'all's input.

 

[etex211]

If the transmission fluid is red (not brown) and doesn't stink, there is really no reason to change it.

Some vehicles now come with transmissions that are not serviceable.

 

[etex211]

Regarding transmission filters: New ones are a waste of money. You can wash/blow out the old one and it is just as good as new.

 

[jeffdee]

I respect the opinion of everyone in this thread but I hold to the contention that if the fluid and filter is fresh, the transmission will operate more effectively. Ford makes a tough transmission for these E-450's. Everything is more heavy duty including the torque converter and clutch packs. New fluid and filter will insure a longer life and will aid in keeping the transmission components better lubricated which in turn keeps the transmission at a cooler operating temperature. The previous owner of my rv towed a small car which is why I was inclined to change the oil and filter. The oil I removed was still red and did not smell like it had been overheated. The magnetic warshers were wooly which meant the clutch packs had shed some steel.

As for the recommendation not to change the oil after 100k miles, I have had many transmission servicemen also tell me that but they would not tell me there would be certain trasmissin failure on the horizon. However my brother changed his oil and filter on a 2004 F-150 with 158k miles and it corrected the sluggish shifting. He sold his F-150 with 195k miles and the transmission was still fine. I believe that how the transmission was treated before it reached 100k miles will determine if an oil change will affect it. This F-150 pulled a 28' travel trailer its first 65k miles.

 

[Grumpy]

My concern would be lack.of use and condensation/moisture that has accumulated in it.

 

[NB Canada]

My concern would be lack.of use and condensation/moisture that has accumulated in it.

bingo

 

[Crabman]

I would change it. After I bought my 2500 with 73,000 miles I changed all fluids for peace of mind and to have a point of reference for all future changes. I do the pan drop, filter change and complete changeover of old to new fluid using the removal of the transmission line from the radiator method. That way I know all the old fluid is replaced.

 

[stans02]

I changed the trans fluid on my 02 26SS, right after I bought it used. When I did I found the plastic plug laying in the bottom of my pan. I was a little concerned, until I found out it was as you say. I like the drain plug on the pan. When I did mine I removed the pan replaced the filter. Filled it again. Then removed the cooling line and started and removed one qt. of fluid. the added one qt. to the pan. I did this until the return oil was the same color as the new fluid. Now I have replaced all my fluid. I totally agree to not flush the trans. Stan

 

[Ustabslim]

My dodge has 60,000 miles now and I've changed the trans fluid twice and the rear diff once and the engine every 4500 miles. It's impossible to change the fluids to often. New oil is better than any used oil. It's old wife's tales not to change if never changed.
I may just like old wife's tails...